24-2-2024 (TOKYO) Tokyo witnessed the closure of a beloved Hello Kitty-themed amusement park on February 24 after the operator received a threatening email regarding a potential terrorist attack. Sanrio Puroland, located in the capital city, is renowned for its rides, entertaining shows, and adorable cartoon mascots, with the feline-like Hello Kitty character taking center stage.
In a message posted on its website, the indoor theme park explained the reason behind the sudden closure: “We decided to temporarily close for the day because the safety of visitors, performers, and staff cannot be guaranteed at the moment.” The park specifically mentioned the receipt of an email threatening terrorism on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Following the unspecified threat, the police conducted a thorough search of Sanrio Puroland for any suspicious objects. However, no such items were discovered, as reported by the public broadcaster NHK. Authorities are now working to identify the sender of the email, according to unnamed police sources cited by NHK.
Hello Kitty, created by Sanrio Co and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, holds a prominent place among Japan’s most recognized cartoon characters. Sanrio Puroland, situated in Tama City, Tokyo, was inaugurated in 1990 by Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty. The mouthless cat-like figure has become a marketing icon for a wide range of products, from plush toys to aircraft. Additionally, the Japanese government has enlisted Hello Kitty as a tourism ambassador, leveraging its undeniable cuteness to promote the country.
The closure of the popular tourist attraction due to the threat elicited disappointment on social media platforms. One user expressed frustration at the timing, as the incident occurred during a holiday weekend. “It’s unforgivable that someone is doing this during a precious three-day weekend!” the user vented on X, formerly known as Twitter.
